South Carolina hospitality group opens first of two Tampa restaurants

Maru, the first of two concepts from South Carolina-based Indigo Road Hospitality Group, opened on the rooftop of Bayshore Gardens in Tampa May 2.

The company announced last July its plans to open its first pair of restaurants in the area. 

The other, a sushi concept called O-Ku, is experiencing permit delays, but “we’re excited for O-Ku in the fall,” says Steve Palmer, founder and chief visionary officer for Indigo Road in an interview with the Business Observer.

Maru serves Nikkei cuisine, which is Peruvian Japanese fusion with historical roots. At the turn of the 20th century, the industrial revolution had put many Japanese farmers out of work and the Peruvian government offered Japanese citizens contracts on coastal plantations. 

The results of the adaptation resulted in the Japanese introducing their cooking techniques and an expanded seafood palette. This is reflected in Maru’s menu, which features classic staples like ceviche, caviar and oysters.

The 90-seat venue with bayfront views is now open seven nights a week. 

“The response has been amazing so we’re very grateful to Tampa for the warm welcome,” Palmer says of the recent opening, “The food scene is vibrant and emerging.”